Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise

Viva Pinata sounds like a strange name for a video game but what is even stranger is the premise. You basically create a garden to attract pinatas in hopes to breed them and attract more. Even stranger then the name and premise of this game is how you will get so wrapped up in your garden and addicted to getting new Pinatas (just ask my wife).

Trouble in Paradise is supposed to be a sequel to the first Viva Pinata but I see it more as an expansion pack. In TIP there are a slew of new Pinatas and gardens to cultivate. Some new gardens take you to different environments like a snowy place and desserty place. Along with these new climates there are new Pinatas to go along with them. After that the game is basically the same as the first.

Its not a bad thing that they didn't change things but there are few things that still annoy, for example the camera. I would enjoy this game so much more if you could zoom way out and get a full look at your garden and be able to travel anywhere in it quickly. Instead you have to scroll all the way across your garden to smack a bad guy just to go all the way back across to water a tree.

Graphics and sound are again the same as the first game. My wife popped the game in for the first time and I said to her "Isn't this exactly what we already have?" But to her credit she probably says the same to me every year I buy a new Madden. Anyway the controls work pretty well other then navigating to far corners of your garden.

By far though the best part of this game is the Pinata collecting and trading. Its so satisfying to get a new variant or discover a new species. The first time you see a new Pinata visit your garden is always exciting. Theres also always a sense of glee when Seedos drops you a mystery seed. So don't let the silly nature and cartoony graphics push you away because this game in many ways is a diamond in the rough.

Pros: Great family game

Collecting is fun

New Pinatas and gardens

Cons: Camera issues

Professor Pester

As a Christian playing this game its great, theres nothing to worry about. No swearing, violence or anything of the sort. The only thing is that it can be hard to put down sometimes but as long as time limits are monitored there should be no problem.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Would Jesus Play this Game: Yes

NBA Live 2009

Another basketball season is here and that means another NBA Live game. Usually I am a fan of the 2k sports games, especially when it comes to basketball. Although I picked this game up because of its 30.00$ price tag on black Friday and so far it has been a good investment.

The gameplay is really nice, the controls pretty much work like they should except I think the juke stick is a little out of whack. There are some issues with your teams A.I. for example getting rebounds and loose balls. But overall I don't really think I have lost a game because of that. The opponent A.I. can be dumb sometimes but mostly is pretty tough. Gone are the days of just driving straight to hole and dunking it every time, now you are forced to run plays or pass the ball around (like any good real team does).

This year is back with the dunk contest and 3 point contest. There is also a world basketball competition thing. I found that these modes are great distractions and are really fun to play with another person. Online multiplayer features a 5 on 5 game where every person on the court is controlled by an actual person, sounds good on paper but very difficult to do. I know I have mentioned this in previous reviews but always be careful letting kids get online just because of they offensive crazy things that people say.

Overall EA has gotten some things right this year and I think they have done a great job on this game. The A.I. might not be where it should but its close enough to where you won't be throwing your controller at the wall or not playing because its too easy.

Pros: Graphics are smooth

Lots of game modes

More realistic than previous Live game

Cons: Load times are brutal

Questionable A.I.

On line weirdos

From a christian perspective this is .... basketball. Nothing to be worried about here unless cheerleaders that dance like zombies are to risque for you. This is a fun game to play with anyone in the family and you might not ever stop playing the 3 point competition.

Rating: 8 out 10

Would Jesus Play this Game: Yes